Why choose Geisinger for hyperthyroidism care?
Take control of your thyroid health — and start feeling better — by making an appointment with an endocrinologist.
At your first visit, you’ll talk with your doctor about how you’re feeling. Like how your energy is changing, whether you’re losing weight or if you’ve noticed changes in your heart rate. If we think it could be hyperthyroidism, we’ll order lab tests to see how active your thyroid is.
If your lab results show hyperthyroidism, your doctor will talk with you about treatment options, such as medication, radioactive iodine therapy and surgery. They’ll explain how each one works and what it means for your daily life so you can choose what’s best for you.
Throughout it all, we’ll be here for ongoing follow-up and monitoring to make sure your treatment is working to keep you healthy.
Treatments and services we offer
Related specialties
FAQs
What is the thyroid?
How do thyroid hormones work?
Thyroid hormone levels are controlled by a feedback loop between the thyroid and 2 glands in your brain called the hypothalamus and the pituitary. The hypothalamus and pituitary monitor levels of thyroid hormones in the blood and tell your thyroid to make more or less of them. The 2 key thyroid hormones that regulate the way your body uses energy are:
- Thyroxine, also known as T4
- Triiodothyronine, known as T3
What is hyperthyroidism?
What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism?
An overactive thyroid produces more thyroid hormones than the body needs and can cause symptoms including:
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Anxiety, nervousness and irritability
- Bowel changes and loose stools
- Feeling hot and sweating
- Problems falling asleep
- Fatigue
- Unintentional weight loss
What are the risk factors for hyperthyroidism?
Genetics, age and health and family history can all increase your risk for developing hyperthyroidism. Risk factors include:
- Family history of a thyroid condition, such as Graves’ disease or Hashimoto’s disease
- History of an autoimmune condition or conditions
- Being older than 60
- Being of Japanese descent
- Previous thyroid surgery
- Pregnancy
- A low-iodine diet
How do you diagnose hyperthyroidism?
Some of the diagnostic tests your doctor may perform to test for hyperthyroidism include:
- Blood tests to measure your levels of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), free T3 and T4, thyroid stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI), TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb) and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO).
- Radioactive iodine uptake test to show whether your thyroid gland is working as it’s supposed to.
- Thyroid ultrasound to take pictures of your thyroid and throat area using sound waves.
- Diagnostic imaging tests, such as MRIs, CT scans and PET scans, to produce detailed pictures of your thyroid gland and throat area.
How do you treat hyperthyroidism?
Our team of thyroid specialists is experienced in diagnosing and treating all kinds of thyroid conditions, including hyperthyroidism.
Depending on the type and severity of your condition, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following treatments:
- Lifestyle changes
- Medications
- Radioactive iodine therapy
- Surgery
Hyperthyroidism care at Geisinger
Find comprehensive, compassionate care from our thyroid specialists. We offer:
- Care designed for you, where you live: Get a consultation near you at locations throughout northeastern and central Pennsylvania. We offer treatment options backed by the expertise and innovation of a nationally recognized health system.
- Comprehensive specialty care: Our thyroid team, made up of endocrinologists, surgeons and specialists, offers treatment options and holistic, tailored-to-you care. We’ll work with you to develop a care plan based on your needs and preferences.
- Genetic testing and counseling programs: Research programs like the MyCode® Community Health Initiative are only available at Geisinger. Contribute to genetic research by participating in MyCode, which may give you information about your own genetic risks.